2022 Highlands Experience Guide

2022 Highlands Experience Guide

2022 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Surrender

Indulge

Savor

Immerse

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Surrender I N S I D E

Indulge

to the Outdoors

in Spas, Resorts, Inns and Lodges

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Insiders’ Guide History 96 Kids in Highlands 98 Don’t Miss Winter 102

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Savor

Immerse

Inspired Cuisine and Beverages

in Arts, Shopping and Festivities

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Journey to 4118 Directions 112 Maps 115 Business Sector Listings 120



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Surrender

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BOBBY GRACE PUT TERS

H ighlands is nationally recognized for its beguiling golf courses, a trend that began nearly 100 years ago. In 1928, when Robert Tyre “Bob” Jones Jr. struck the very first ball christen- ing theHighlands Country Club golf course, the founders had a feeling history was being made. Those founders, including Col. Robert P. Jones (Bob’s father), had engaged well-known Scottish architect Donald Ross to carve a

golf course out of the verdant Southern Appalachians.

Nowadays, there areHighlands courses in every direc- tion of the compass. So it makes sense that Bobby Grace would end up here. Now if you inhabit the rarefiedworld of professional golf, you knowof BobbyGrace. Heck, even if you only get to a course on randomweekends and oc- casionally fantasize about a golf getaway, you’ve proba-

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bly heard of Grace. He’s won an international audience for his handcrafted putters, and his curated collection of classic and antique clubs is the focus of impassioned online bidding. And his tricked-out Tour Studio,Mercedes-Benz Van, emblazoned with his name and outfitted with all the tools for crafting his signature clubs, is not only an instantly-recognized feature inHighlands, but also at the nation’s most prestigious golf courses. Highlands has ended up as the endpoint for this golfing innovator, but it’s the result of a journey Grace began as a teenager. Taking up golf as a young- ster, he quickly became a junior champion, competing in the US and the Brit- ish Amateur. And his fascinationwith the game extended beyond competing into golf history, with a focus on the game-changing golf clubs that he col-

lected. Over time, his classic clubs collection evolved into a business. As the business flourished, Grace started to tinker with club design, using the insights he had gained from studying his collection. In 1994, he had the opportu- nity to show one of his prototypes to World Golf Hall of Fame mem- ber Nick Price. Price was warm- ing up for a tournament when he tried Grace’s putter. He became so

My wife and I fell in love with Highlands on our first visit and are thrilled to join the many friends we have made in this great American golf community. “

excited by the results, he replaced the putter he had been using with Grace’s prototype, called “The Fat Lady,” for the final two rounds. The following week Price used the “Fat Lady” at the PGA Championship, winning wire- to-wire and talking about his new putter the whole time. Thanks to Price’s enthusiasm, Bobby Grace Putters immediately received 27,000 orders for “The Fat Lady.” In the years since, his putters have won over 200 Tour Vic- tories for number one players. Inevitably, Grace would visit Highlands over the years to conduct custom fittings at local clubs. When he brought his wife along, everything changed. “My wife and I fell in love with Highlands on our first visit and are thrilled to join the many friends we have made in this great American golf commu- nity,” he said.

Formore informationonhow to start putting like aTour Pro, updatesonhismove toHighlandsandex- clusive offers, subscribe to Bobby’s email newsletter at bobbygraceputters.com.



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W A N D E R A N D L O S E T H E W I F I Hiking Trai ls & Qui ck Ge tawaways There’s no doubt that Highlands is made for those looking to lose themselves or find themselves amidst the forests and hills that surround us. Generations of naturalists, artists and dreamers have discovered paradise on the trails that wind through the wilderness. For directions to these favorite trails, stop by The Highlands Welcome Center at 108Main Street. Take a camera with you!

(This isn’t Chamber of Commerce hype – each one of these trails is loadedwith charmand spectacle.)

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BARTRAM TRAIL The Bartram Trail runs from Oconee State Park in South Carolina through Georgia and North Carolina to the Great Smokies. It ’s marked with yellow blazes. CHATTOOGA LOOP TRAIL This is an almost two-mile loop trail that be- gins to the left of the Iron Bridge. From Highlands, proceed east onMain Street for 4.5 miles. Main Street will become Horse Cove Road. Look for the intersec- tion with Bull Pen andWhiteside Cove Roads. Turn right onto Bull Pen Road (#1178/#1180). Proceed for 5.4 miles to the Iron Bridge. The trailhead is on the left just before bridge. CHINQUAPIN MOUNTAIN This 3.2- mile round trip starts with its trail head at the Glen Falls Parking Lot. It’s a moderate walk, and the trail crosses streams many times. Amile-long series of switch backs leads to the top. Length: 1.5 miles. Difficulty: Moderate CLIFFSIDE LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA This is a delightful plunge into nature’s glorious bounty. Take US 64 West for 4.5 miles, turn right at the Cliffside Lake sign and continue for 1.5 miles. There are several hiking trails and picnic tables with grills and a lake for swimming and fishing It’s a fee area, for day use only. It also features a LOOP TRAIL, an easy 0.75 walk around the lake. ELLICOT T’S ROCK / BAD CREEK TRAILS This seven-mile round trip starts on Bull Pen Road. It boasts Elli- cott’s Rock, an enormous boulder em- bedded in the Chattooga Riverbank, bearing the letters NC, carved by sur- veyor Andrew Ellicott. He thought this was the intersection of North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. Spoiler Alert: It wasn’t. That’s Commissioner’s Rock, bearing the symbol NC/SC 1813, 10 feet downstream. At the far end of Horse Cove, turn onto Bull Pen Road. Ellicott’s Rock trail starts at six miles, the Bad Creek trail starts at 10 miles. Both drop steeply down from opposite sides of the river near Ellicott’s Rock (left bank looking down stream) and continue down river. This will give you a good workout. HICKORY KNUT GAP Take Hwy 106, 4 miles to Turtle Pond Road and turn right. Take a left on Hickory Knut Gap Road. Drive 0.9 mile to the trail, which is a Forest Service Road on the left. Park on the right and walk road for 0.28 miles then the trail leaves the road sharply to the right. Follow the

blue blazes to the junction with Bar- tram and continue to Scaly summit or beyond. You’ll feel like you’re far, far away from civilization. HIGHLANDS BOTANICAL GARDENS This lovely spot with several varieties of gardens to explore, just a half mile from downtown onMain Street/Horse Cove Road. Park on the gravel area across from Highlands Nature Cen- ter. The garden paths start to the left of the Nature Center with maps posted along the trails. The gardens are free and open to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset. This is a little jewel just a few hundred yards from the bus- tle of downtown. JONES KNOB Take US 64 West to Turtle Pond Road. Go 1.1 miles to the in- tersection and continue to the right on Dendy Orchard Road for 1.4miles to the top of the hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Road and continue for two miles to the parking area. An old roadbed leads right to awildlifemanagement field. At the far end of the field, yellow blazes mark Bar- tram to the right and blue blazes mark the Jones Knob spur trail to left. Follow the blue blazed trail for .03 mile to a de- lightful mountaintop view. LAKE SEQUOYAH Formed in 1927, Lake Sequoyah is Highlands’ largest body of water. Take in the sights of the lake while savoring a delicious meal at On the Verandah restaurant (on- theverandah.com), located right on the banks of the Sequoyah. LITTLESLIDINGROCK TakeHorseCove Road to the end theof pavement. Take the left (Whiteside Cove Road) for approxi- mately fivemiles, then start looking for a little parking area off the road. This quiet spot, seemingly amillionmiles from21st century stress, has delighted its guests for generations. Stop along theway to see the World’s Smallest Post Office. THE NARROWS This is an easy four- mile round trip. Its trail head leads off WhitesideCoveRoad. It features spectac- ular views of the Chattooga River forced into a narrow channel, exploding over boulders, and revealing an unexpected swimminghole. Turn left ontoWhiteside Cove Road and drive 0.9 mile. The trail is on a logging road on the right and de- scends twomiles to The Narrows. You’ll pass a trail to the right, which continues to Bull Pen Bridge on Horse Cove Road. Be sure to return the way you came. SLICKROCKTRAIL This is a simple 0.2- mile round trip. Take Horse Cove Road to the end of the pavement. Take the

right fork onto Bull Pen Road and con- tinue one mile. On a sharp left curve, look for a pull-off and a steep unmarked path on the right. The hike is short, but the summit offers an impressive view of the mountains. SUNSET ROCK This is an astonish- ing site, just a few hundred yards from downtown. Take Main Street for half a mile east until the Nature Center is on the left. Park on the gravel on the right side of the road. Sunset Rock is an ideal choice for a late afternoon stroll. It’s a short half-mile walk to the top. Beautiful sunsets can be seen over the town, while you sit on a natural amphi- theater on slabs of granite. Some peo- ple will tell you that you can drive to the summit. This is good advice if you don’t mind that your vehicle could (al- most certainly will) sustain a broken axle. Trust us – walk to the top. YELLOW/ SHORTOFFMOUNTAIN To reach the trailhead, takeUS 64East from Highlands threemiles and turn left onto Buck Creek Road. Follow Buck Creek Road for 2.3 miles. The trail will be on the right. The destination of this hike is a spectacular panoramic vista scene from the top of Yellow Mountain. This strenuous hike is 4.8 miles one way, so allow for a full day. WHITESIDEMOUNTAIN This jaw-drop- ping spectacle is six miles from town on US 64 East. Turn right at the sign onto Whiteside Mountain Road. Go one mile to awell-markedparking area on the left. This is a fee area, and there’s a restroom located in the parking area. The two-mile loop trail climbs above sheer cliffs and offers outstanding views. Thismoderate trail, crowned by a panoramic vista, is a two-mile loop. WHITEWATER FALLS TRAIL This easy 0.6mile-round tripwill reward youwith a spectacular viewof thehighestwaterfall in the Eastern United States. Take High- way 64 East to Cashiers, turn right onto Highway 107 South for 9.3 miles. At the Whitewater Falls sign, turn left toSC130. Continue 2.3miles to a stop sign and turn left ontoWhitewaterRoad(SR1171).Drive 1.1miles to theWhitewater Falls sign and turn right. The trail descends very steeply to the river. There is another overlook about 100 feet further down the trail. To the left, the trail continues to the river and fords the river. Therearenumerousplaces for picnicking aswell as shallowpools for wading and quick dips.



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FAUNA , FOREST AND FEET

When you encounter Highlands for the first time, you can’t help but imagine that the deep forests and the shadowed hollows must be home to a vast community of wildlife.

the updrafts, punctuated by dives that can exceed speeds of 200miles per hour, earning these top-of-the-food- chain raptors the designation of the Fastest Birds in theWorld. Speaking of Apex Creatures, our Black Bear population has mush- roomed in recent years. That means it’s entirely possible that you’ll encounter one of these bruins if you spendmore than a fewdays here on the Plateau. In fact, you needn’t go into the back- woods. They’re constantly wandering

one of the few IBAs withwhole towns within its boundary. “While visitingHighlands, it’s easy to see and hear Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins flying overMain Street, or to see Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in the church parking lot downtown, or to have Black-Throated BlueWarblers in the parking

aaAndwhen you notice the names of our locations – Little BearpenMoun- tain, Panther Ridge, Wildcat Cliffs, Fawn Creek, Lost Horse Trail (ok, a lost horse probably isn’t strictly “wild- life,” but the horse was never found sowe’re going to count it), FishHawk Road –well, you expect to see crea- tures at every turn.

Raccoon

Squirrel (R) Raccoon (L)

Bobcat

through our residential areas, and it’s not unusual for mamas and their cubs to be strolling through the downtown. If you encounter a bear, you needn’t panic. They don’t view you as a quick meal, and once they realize that they’ve been spotted, they’ll usually look for a way to discreetly slip away.

And sure enough, if your eyes and ears are open you’ll be rewardedwith glimpses of all sorts of animals going about their business. You’ll probably first notice the birds all around. The National Audubon So- ciety has designated theHighlands Plateau as an Important Bird Area,

lot of The Bascom: ACenter for the Visual Arts,” says an Audubon spokeswoman. For a viewof the stunning Pere- grine Falcon, visitWhitesideMoun- tain. These bewitching birds nest on the cliffs and can be seen soaring on

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We’re embarrassed to evenmention this, but don’t run, approach a bear and never, ever, offer it food. These are wild animals and youmay provoke a defensive response or, by teaching a bear that humans are an easy source of delicious food, assuring that it’ll die in a future encounter with people. Further down the food chain, but still a thrilling sight are the Red and Grey Foxes that inhabit this corner of WesternNorth Carolina. Both vari- eties can be spotted in the fields scat- tered aroundHighlands (especially the edges of pastures inHorse Cove and the eerie formations at Granite City). Youmay also spot themas they dart across Highlands’ roads in themiddle of the night. It’s a startling sight, but

enel Lake. The surprise lay in the fact that these playful creatures had dis- appeared fromWesternNorth Car- olina in the 1930s. Their mysterious reappearance was widely celebrated, and followed by confirmed sightings of otter pairs atMirror Lake and Big Creek. This is probably a good spot tomen- tion the continued enigma of East- ern Cougars gliding through the wild corners of Highlands. Although state and federal wildlife officials will tell you that the Panthers (or “Painters” as the original Highlanders called them) disappeared around here in the early years of the last century, reports of enormous dark-furred cats slipping like ghosts through the forests have

can provide photographic evidence (or physical evidence like a pawprint), well, there’s a Star in Your Crown! We’ve beenworking our way down theHighlands Food Chain, but it’s led us towhat may be themost important wild denizen of theHighlands Plateau. Highlands is the Salamander Capital of theWorld! Their variety and sheer numbers in such a small areamakes Highlands a destination for research- ers fromacross the globe. Their abundance is testament to the purity of our air andwater, but most of us cherish thembecause they’re so cute (in a slippery kind of way). You’ll most likely encounter them on the shores of the streams that snake through the community or if

Deer

River Otter

it’s a thrill to glimpse these beautiful animals. Speaking of surprise appear- ances, Highlanders were elated last year when researchers announced that they’d spotted River Otters at Highlands Botanical Garden’s Rav-

been noted throughout the last hun- dred years. If you encounter such an ani- mal (and you’ll probably only catch a glimpse), please report this to the good people at theHighlands Biological Sta- tion – highlandsbiological.org. If you

you’remucking about in the forest undergrowth. For all of these creatures, enjoy your encounter, be respectful and take plenty of pictures.

If you can provide photographic evidence (or physical evidence like a paw print), well, theres’ a Star in Your Crown!



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R U N N I N G W I L D A N D F R E E Chasing Wa te rfa l ls

With its ancient granite mountains and shadowed hollows, combined with abundant rainfall (Highlands is technically in a rain forest), well, it’s no surprise that the Highlands has become a national waterfall destination. Some of them are diminutive, little more than a rivulet; some of them are raging, exploding over a cliff face with irresistible force.

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BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS Drive 6 miles on US 64 West to pull over on right or left. This is a popular swimming hole. For the brave, one can jump off a boulder into the Cullasaja River. This series of stair-step falls on the Cullasaja River is found about six miles down the Culla- saja Gorge Road (US 64 West). There are parking areas on the left and right sides of the road. Park, stretch your legs, soak in the view, and dangle your toes in the water.

WHITEWATER FALLS Discover the East’s King of Waterfalls. Watch it cas- cade over massive rock pillars and drop 411 feet to the river below. Use ex- treme caution near the top of the falls. It’s worth the 23.4miles drive fromHigh- lands via HWY 64 East to the crossroads in Cashiers, then turn right onto HWY 281 South. Signage will di- rect you to the falls from HWY 281.

CULLASAJA FALLS Drive 8.75miles from town on US 64 West to a pull over on the left side of the road. It is strongly advised that you drive beyond the pull-off, turn around at a safe place and retrace your route. Respect the road and the unforgiving cliff face framing this exquisite series of cascades. GLEN FALLS Drive 1.7 miles on NC 106 to the sign for the falls. Turn left, then immediately turn right onto a dirt road. Drive 1.1 miles to where the road dead-ends at a parking area. Glen Falls is com- posed of three falls dropping 640 feet. The foot trail descends some 700 feet in one mile. The walk down is easy, but the walk back up is steep.

SAFET Y T IP

Our waterfal ls are begui l ing and will charm even the most jaded traveler. Beautiful as they are, al l should be approached

with caution. Never wade into the stream feeding a

waterfall, no matter how lazy i t seems a n d t h i n k t w i c e before splashing in the pool at the base of a waterfall.

DRY FALLS Drive 3.25 miles on US 64 West to the parking area on the left. A pleasant walk down stone steps leads to a path that goes behind the waterfall. Here the Cullasaja River proj- ects over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name. (PS – You’ll probably get damp.)



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BRIDAL VEIL FALLS This small, pic- turesque fall cascades over US 64West, 2.45 miles from town. The gentle cas- cade which you can walk behind, does indeed look like a delicate bridal veil. But the name has a deeper meaning. According to Cherokee lore, a woman who walks behind the falls in the spring will be married by the arrival of the first snow.

SECRET FALLS Due to limited access through private property, this beau- tiful waterfall has been a long-held secret. But it’s now accessible via a trail constructed across public lands, so this “secret” is out for all to behold. The best route is a southerly drive on NC 28 from Main Street in Highlands, 4.1 miles to Wilson Gap, a left turn on Rich Gap Road, then 0.6 mile and a right turn on Forest Service Road FR45670. Drive approximately 1.75 miles on this unpaved road to the Big Shoals parking area on the right. The old road turns into a footpath which leads to the falls. Enjoy the seclusion and the undeni- able sense of mystery that shrouds this little charmer.

THINK SEE DO

EDUCATION Participate in classes and more! The Bascom offers life-enriching and hands-on experiences through comprehensive arts education in a variety of mediums for artists of all ages and skill levels.

EXHIBITIONS Featuring the work of local, regional, national and international artists that might not otherwise be seen in Western North Carolina.

EXPERIENCES Through a variety of initiatives, The Bascom serves the surrounding areas with mission driven public programs including free admission to theme-based exhibitions paired with artist talks, gallery walks, public receptions, and networking events.

Located on six acres of a former horse farm, The Bascom campus is a stunningly scenic home for the visual arts in Highlands, NC. The Bascom offers a range of special events and opportunities that engage, inform, and inspire our creative community.

323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC | 828.526.4949 | TheBascom.org

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DEFINING RUSTIC ELEGANCE

lupoliconstruction.com

Highlands, NC

(828) 526-4532

BEAR COUNTRY

I t used to be that spotting a Black Bear in Highlands was a noteworthy event. Nowadays, if you spend any time in town – in the woods, at a home on the edge of the woods, at one of the country clubs, even onMain Street – you’re bound to run into one. It’s not like they’re seeking out a Close Encounter. It turns out they’re spectacularly uninter- ested in you. They’re inev- itably looking for an over- stuffed garbage can, or a gen- erously seeded bird feeder. The last thing they’re look- ing for is a confrontation with you (and your dog). Having said that, there are some sim- ple steps that you can take to ensure that your Bear Encounter is a simple learning experience for both parties.

SAFE T Y T I PS WH I L E H I K I NG

• Talk or make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially near rushing water where it may not hear you. • Stay alert. Don’t hike with earbuds in. • Keep an eye on the trail ahead. • Pay attention if you’re riding a mountain bike. You sure don’t want to startle a bear. • Keep children near. • Dogs may help detect bears but they can also quickly escalate the situation that neither side wants, so keep them on a leash.

• Avoid eye contact if you encounter a bear. Remain still and calm, or slowly begin walking backward. • Raise your arms (to appear larger) and talk gently while backing away to safety. • Don’t throw your pack at the bear – that provides a “reward” that teaches the bear to approach people for food. • Never try to pet or feed a bear or get close for a picture – that is how most injuries occur. • Hike in groups during daylight and on established trails.

• Learn proper camping techniques to avoid problems. • Avoid standing between a female bear and her cubs. If you find yourself in this situation, slowly and calmly walk backwards. For more information, pick up the bro- chure Hiking and Camping in Bear Country, at the Welcome Center, Hudson Library, or Town Hall. B.E.A.R. (Bear Education and Resources) is a task force of MountainTrue, a nonprofit organization. To volunteer, donateor receive more information, call (828) 526-9227.

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YOUR NEXT GREAT MEAL AWAITS. BRING YOUR APPETITE. Whether you’re a certified foodie looking for bright new flavors in a small town or you have a “stick-with-what-I-like” palate, Jackson County, NC’s culinary scene has you covered. With organic farm-to-table and locally grown options to bold, belly-filling dishes, the only thing you’ll have to do is come hungry.

CASHIERS CHEROKEE DILLSBORO SYLVA

Visit DiscoverJacksonNC.com to plan your next great getaway.

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HERI TAGE Our Natural

W e take our natural heritage seriously in Highlands. One of the first ordinances passed by our Town Board made it a misdemeanor to damage a tree by tying your horse to it. And one of our oldest civic organizations is The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, which has been preserving our wild places since 1909. That translates to 3,200 acres of irreplaceable, protected forests, wet- lands, and awe-inspiring vistas on the Plateau. We are also surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and the members of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society spend thousands of hours each year in the fields and for- ests, cataloging and conserving our winged neighbors. And we can’t forget the Highlands Biological Station who began their research laboratory in 1931. Due to Highlands location in the southern Blue Ridge, we are in one of the few places outside the tropics for empirical work in ecology, evolution, and organism biology. In other words, the Highlands Biological Station provides a research base in the midst of a temperate-zone biodiversity hotspot. Whether you’re a resident or visitor to Highlands, there are things you can do to help us in this serious work of protecting our home. We ask that you embrace the Principles of Leave No Trace.

LEAVE NO TRACE

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PLAN AHEAD and prepare for your outing.

BE CAREFUL with your fire, whether it’s a campfire or stove. Though Highlands is technically a rainforest, wildfires are still a possibility.

TRAVEL and camp on durable surfaces to preserve the delicate forest floor and prevent soil from being washed into our pristine waterways.

RESPECT wildlife, whether it’s a spotted salamander or a black bear.

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DISPOSE of waste properly, but we really don’t have to tell you this, right?

LEAVE what you find – this is a notion from the Cherokee first residents, and it was em- braced by the first European settlers on the plateau.

BE CONSIDERATE of others. Again, this is one of the hallmarks of Highlands.

If you can adapt these principles into your outdoor experience, you’ll discover that your time in the Wild is an even richer experience. Oh, and we couldn’t find any evidence that the ordi - nance preventing tree abuse has ever been rescinded, so be careful where you tie your horse.



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QUALITY CARE CLOSE TO HOME

A full spectrum of services including: General Surgery, Radiology (including CT, 3D Mammography, and MRI) , Comprehensive Therapy Services (PT, OT, and Speech) , Cardiac Rehab, Eckerd Living Center: 5 Star Nursing Home, Award-Winning Emergency Department (Recipient of the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award: Top 5% of Emergency Departments Nationwide)

190 Hospital Drive, Highlands, NC 28741 (828) 526-1200 | missionhealth.org/ highlands

B L I S S A T 4 1 1 8 ’ Mountain Adventures

Since its earliest days, Highlands has promoted itself as a healthy escape from the stresses of the rest of the world.

It’s the chance to disconnect that’s also the best way to reconnect on a deeper level. A place that energizes while it relaxes...a way to experience something so much bigger than yourself and find yourself at the same time.



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Aquatics, Year Round After chasing waterfalls and watching the streams flow through the mountain, you can dive in for fitness at the Highlands Pool Complex at the Highlands Recreation Center, 600 North Fourth Street. Since the pool is heated and enclosed, it can be en- joyed year-round. Public swim, lap swim, water aerobics, a monthly dive-in movie, and pool parties are all available. Fees range from daily to annual. www.highlandsnc.org/ recreation

nearby Cashiers, NC. Highlands Yoga www.yogahighlands.com, Yoga in Cashiers www.fusionyo- gaandwellness.com Fun Factory If it’s been raining for a while (Highlands, is a rain forest) and you have a herd of children who’ve been homebound for a bit, you’ll want to remember The Fun Factory in Franklin. It’s loaded with a VR Room, acres of arcade games, mini golf, an indoor carou- sel, and bumper cars. If the sun’s shining, you and the kids can ride go-karts. For more information, call (828) 349-8888 or visit www. franklinfun.com GemMining Macon County is dotted with pockets of rubies and sapphires. Try your luck panning for gem- stones at the family-owned Jack- son Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine. Give the tray a shimmy, and watch the sand sift away, leaving an array of enriched and native gems. Experts will help you iden- tify your findings, and, if you hap- pen to be dazzled by one gem in particular, gemstone cutting and jewelry setting services are avail- able onsite. The indoor site makes for the perfect family activity, rain or shine. Call (828) 524-5850 or visit www.jacksonholegem- mine.com Golf The natural setting of our mountains makes golf a grand ex- perience. Tee off with mountain views as a backdrop. Nearby pub-

lic courses offer nine-hole ex- ecutive golf courses with tra- ditional par 3 and 4 holes and driving range. If you want to try something a little less tra- ditional, check out Foot Golf. The game combines two sports, soccer and golf, for the whole family or group of adventurous friends. www.skyvalleycoun- tryclub.com Horseback Riding The Whitewater Eques- trian Center in Sapphire of- fers guided rides through back- woods logging trails and the historic Cherokee Footpath.

Back Country Excursions For breathtaking views of the Nantahala National Forest, take a backcountry, adventure excursion with Highland Excursion. Spanning approximately 250,000 acres, complete with wa- terfalls,rivers and mountain views as well as historic buildings, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s nat- ural beauty and history are well- suited for the avid hiker and the modest explorer alike. We rec- ommend dedicating three to four hours to tour. Your four-legged hiking buddy is welcomed, too! For more information, call (864) 373-4022 or email justinking- [email protected]. Fitness Classes The Highlands Recreation Park offers an entire suite of fitness classes – Heart Healthy Exercise, Yoga, Personal Training and Mar- tial Arts. www.highlandsnc.org/ recreation You will also find Highlands Yoga in downtown Highlands near Main Street and Cashiers Val- ley Fusion Yoga and Wellness in

The horses (some of them the legendary Gypsy Vaner) are gentle and wise. For informa- tion, call (828) 966-9646 or visit www.funhorsebackriding.com

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Ice Skating, Sledding, Snow Boarding and Skiing

Tubing and Rollercoaster, Year-Round

November through March, you can embark on an ice adventure. As stars glisten in the sky and chil- dren’s laughter sings, the ice-skating rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Found- ers Park comes alive. If barreling across the rink isn’t your scene, grab

Got a need for speed? Try tub- ing or a mountain rollercoaster at Highlands Outpost. Snow is provided by mother nature and on-site equipment during colder months, and the fun continues into warmer weather as well. Slopes can accommodate young and mature tubers. For informa- tion, call (828) 526-3737 or visit www.highlandsoutpost.com Zip Lining Soar from the top of the moun- tain across the valley for as- tounding views at Highlands Aerial Park in Scaly Mountain, rated by TripAdvisor as one of the Top Ten Outdoor Attrac- tions in North Carolina. With eight zip lines to choose from, glide from canopy to canopy with your harness and helmet buckled tight and the Appala- chian Trail in sight. Trained guides will accompany you along your journey through the trees. We recommend calling ahead to schedule a reservation. For more information, call (828) 414-2360 or visit www.highlandsaerial- park.com.

Run with a vertical drop of 200 feet, complete with a state-of-the art quad-lift, a Learning Center Slope and a multiple lane, 300-foot snow tubing run. Ski / Snowboard call (828) 743-7663 or visit www.skisap- phirevalley.com On the Water The Chattooga River can be en- joyed for kayaking and whitewater rafting. Of course, some people enjoy swimming in its little pools and sun- ning on the occasional patches of sandy shore. You can also rent a pon- toon on lake Glenville to cruise by some local waterfalls. For boat rent- als www.signalridgemarina.com Naturally there’s fly fishing along streams throughout this corner of Macon County. Check with the pros at Brookings and The Highlands Hiker for deep insight. Visit Brook- ings at www.brookingsonline.com or Highland Hiker at www.high- landhiker.com Skateboard Park Highlands Recreation Center has a Skateboard Park of half-pipes and ramps. Also, your Mother was right – Wear a Helmet! www.highlandsnc. org/recreation Tennis and Pickleball If your passion is tennis, visit the Highlands Recreation Center at 600 North Fourth Street and reserve a court. Of course, you can play pickle- ball there, too – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. www.highlandsnc. org/recreation Train Rides For a flavor of the Southern Appa- lachians, you won’t find anywhere else, book an excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, based in Bryson City. Trips range from three-and-a-half hours to a full day of fun and adven- ture. For information, call (828) 872- 4681 or go to www.gsmr.com.

a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and stay toasty as you watch the activity on the ice. It’s like something from a Currier & Ives print, and heaps of fun whether you’re on the ice or just watching. www.highlandsnc.org/ recreation After snowfall, grab your sleds, winter boots and beanies, and head out for a local sledding tradition. Lined with snow-capped trees, Hickory Street transforms into a slope for sliding, gliding and mem- ory-making with the ones you love. For a bit of trivia, that stretch of Hickory Street has been known to generations of Highlands School students (and local adults who still maintain a piece of their childhood) as Monkey Hill. If sledding only whets your ap- petite for snow, slopes, and speed, visit Ski Sapphire Valley in nearby Sapphire for snow skiing. This re- sort consists of a 1,600-foot Main



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A Napa-Style Escape for Guests 18 and Older On North Carolina’s Fun and Artsy Highlands Plateau

Indulge

in Spas, Resorts, Inns and Lodges



VISITHIGHLANDSNC.COM 29

HALF-MI LE FARM

“ The demands of life – all the emails and texts and frantic phone calls – they just drop away. A lot of the guests just choose to sit on the porch or the dock and unwind, truly relax. Which begs the question: How does the man in charge of such a sybaritic getaway, where every moment is delineated with attention and care, man- age to escape the demands of his own hectic working world? Jack Austin, the general manager of Half-Mile Farm, knows what it’s like for his guests to arrive at his idyllic inn just a half-mile from downtown Highlands. “They come down the hill to Half-Mile Farm and the road widens and they catch sight of Apple Lake and the inn, and it’s magical,” he says. For Jack, escape is a matter of get- ting in his car and heading home to a 100-year-old farm that he’s restoring with his husband, Lec Hobbs. They pur- chased the 10 acres of land with a charm- ing farmhouse as its centerpiece and set about making it a heaven-on-earth gath- ering-place for friends and family, one faith-filled step at a time. Eventually there’ll be a new barn, a firepit, a potager garden, split-rail fencing, the removal of brush to expose a 100-year-old focal point red maple, and much more.

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When it comes down to only Jack and Lec, the farmhouse is just about perfect as it is…a sweet, sim- ple, cozy haven to call home with a kitchen/dining area, living room, three bedrooms, a Hobbit room (den with a low-slung doorway), and two baths. “It seems like one project reveals another two that must be completed, just peeling back the layers in the house and on the grounds. We’re slowly reclaim- ing the fields that once grew cabbage. Along the way, we’ve discovered a 100-year-old red maple, flame azaleas, and seven heritage apple trees, which Lec hopes will be the foundation for an orchard.” If working on a punch list of projects that prom- ise to extend to the far horizon doesn’t seem like a getaway from the stresses of work, Jack relies upon

This deer-powered de-stressing is priceless to a general manager whose Inn is built upon a founda- tion of marvelously indulgent guest service. (In fact, Half-Mile Farm was honored with Condé Nast Trav- eler’s Readers’ Choice Award last year.) “Our guests, who vote for us, overwhelmingly make note of the people who work here – they mention Carol and Viv- ian and Chef Jason and the Jay Henry Tavern bar- tenders. We all treat our guests like they’re friends and family. I think that makes all the difference and that’s why it’s important for all of us to cultivate a warm, friendly atmosphere. Those deer and turkeys have a role to play in maintaining that atmosphere.” That reassurance and comfort Jack derives from his farm homestead is vital to maintaining the idyllic set- ting and service provided by Jack and his staff at Half Mile Farm.

the farm’s wild inhabitants to provide a measure of tranquility. “Every day, we’re visited by turkeys and a herd of deer,” he says. “Those deer are a touchstone for me – they’re so gentle. Deer time makes me still and quiet. I’ve been talking to them and they’re get- ting used to me.

For more information onHalf-Mile Farm, visit www.oldedwardshospitality.com/half-mile-farm



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Highlands has been welcoming visitors since its earliest days. H A P P Y HO S P I TA L I T Y

The notion of Highlands being a welcoming des- tination for those looking to escape is still part of the town’s operating ethos, and is practiced by every one of our inns and boutique hotels. Each place is unique, and each is staffed by people dedi- cated to providing the same level of hospitality that was extended 140 years ago. Consider The Park on Main, located on High- lands’ Main Street and central to all the down- town’s events. When you visit its lobby, you can’t help but notice the elegant dog portraits lining the walls (look closely and you’ll notice a smug-looking fox and a jaunty squirrel amongst the canines – you know how they like to torment and outsmart dogs). This is your first clue that The Park on Main is dog- friendly. Not simply dog-friendly, but borderline dog-crazy. It’s rooms are decorated with elegant dog motifs based upon its mascot, the coal-black Scottish Terrier Mr. Pickles, and each boasts origi- nal dog portraits, designer dog bowls and platform beds to make the pets feel pampered and secure. But as Hotel Manager John Woods notes, The Park on Main’s staff lavishes as much attention upon its people as their pets. “We make a point of getting

That friendliness is echoed by The Wells Hotel’s Zach Matzinger. “This entire hotel is built upon the concept of having a whole group of people – strangers to one another, or those who come in as a group and buy up every room – and giving them free rein to relax and connect or reconnect with one another, and that happens right here at the fire pit (adjoining the office),” he says. “It brings to- gether all of our guests – if we were a large resort community, people would be scattered all over. I have a background in IT, but I came to High- lands with a friend, and was immediately taken by the warm hospitality of the community. I want to share that spirit with our guests. We act as a gate- way to Highlands, but we also recognize that some people want to be left alone to explore what makes this place so enchanting – sometimes that’s as sim- ple as spending some time around the fire pit and unwinding.” Skyline Lodge, which underwent a complete renovation last year, has drawn generations of guests with its irresistible blend of tranquility and indulgence. Its expansive courtyard, canopied with fairy lights and set with pristine Adirondack furniture, invites conversation and contempla- tion and serves the same function as Wells Hotel’s fire pit – regardless of the season, people congre- gate and chat. “For us, the best surprise has been how many of our guests became engaged or honey- mooned at the lodge many years ago and have re- turned to celebrate an anniversary since we reno- vated and re-opened,” says Guest Relations Man- ager David Browder. “Also, due to the great views from Oak Steakhouse, we have had a good number of wedding proposals made there…another great surprise.” Highlands’ natural heritage gives guests of The Inn at Mill Creek a taste of something that’s been lost in the 21st century. Owners Debi and David

to know everyone on a first- name basis,” he says. “Since so many of our guests return to us over and over, we tend to get very close to them – for instance, we like to rec- ognize their birthdays, and we even make a point to rec- ognize their dogs’ birthdays. It’s all part of the friendly at- mosphere that we cultivate here – viewing our guests as friends, or even family, who’ve traveled a long way to see us.”

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Bock have noticed that their guests can’t re- sist the gentle call of Mill Creek. The Inn at Mill Creek boasts a secluded green space on the banks of the creek, complete with comfy Adirondack chairs and rock work that gives a private gar- den feel. “We’ve noticed that some of our guests can’t resist stepping into Mill Creek, to rekin- dle some of that delight that we get from being a part of the natural world,” says Debi. “And for families with children – the kids are naturally drawn to the water. Though we’re only a block and a half fromMain Street, they feel like they’re far removed from civilization. That feeling is priceless.”

The recognition of children as part of the Highlands experience is echoed by Sarah Tucker, who visited Old Edwards Inn with her family. “There’s a ton for the kids to do,” she says. “For instance, two gorgeous pools, unlimited Dove bars, golf that’s perfect for playing with your kids, fishing, hiking (there are so many trails lead- ing to waterfalls), and Highlands Outpost – you can do this during the winter with snow, or in the summer. Both are equally as fun.”



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Main 200 mountain chic by old edwards

highlands casual-chic lodging by old edwards

Stay in stylish comfort at a value rate with the convenience of Main Street. Relax in a park-like setting with heated pool, fire pit, fitness and game rooms, and access to golf at the private Old Edwards Club seasonally. Head out on the Greenway Trail from your back door. Your Year-Round Headquarters for all your Highlands Adventures

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R E S O R T S , L O D G E S , I N N S & C A B I N S Ac c ommoda ti ons Visiting Highlands allows you to indulge in a unique balance of unassuming refinement, warm hospitality and small-town charm. Whether it’s a luxury resort and spa, boutique hotel or a family-owned mountain lodge, you’ll be met with genuine service that characterizes the Highlands experience. People come to Highlands seeking to get away and end up finding that they can be themselves, surrounded by stunning beauty, serenity, and away from the distractions of everyday life.

Spa and accommodations information is available at Highlands Welcome Center, 108 Main Street or www.highlandschamber.org/indulge



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HIGHLANDS HYGGE

It’s probably no coincidence that Highlands served as the quintessence for Hygge 100 years before the Danish concept made its way to America.

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a nebulous con- cept that can be refined to its essence: A deep con- tentment that extends beyond the physical into the realm of the spiritual.

While we’re talking about the concept of hygge here in the mountains, we’d direct your attention to our local accommodations. The Old Edwards Inn and Highlands Inn, two accommodations which date to the town’s founding. Their inclusion on the

It’s a seduction of the soul that encompasses the spec- trum of the senses to deliver a sense of happiness, one that mirrors the Buddhist concept of Nirvana. Think that opening sen- tence is empty Chamber of Commerce boilerplate? Well, consider that this lit- tle town was originally en- visioned as a getaway from an America that was rapidly changing in the latter half of the 19th century. Kelsey and Hutchinson, the found- ers of Highlands, were al-

National Register of His- torical Places is testament to their efforts to preserve what’s earned them a cachet that extends far beyond Highlands. You can sam- ple their particular brand of hygge by staying in one of their rooms, each care- fully appointed and deep in comforts and indulgences. Also check out The Park on Main, Flat Mountain Farm, Skyline Lodge, Highlands Mountain House and Wells Hotel who serve up their own forms of seduction of

the soul here in Highlands. Our accommodations will provide experiences guaranteed to smooth your ruffled feathers and de- liver on that promise that was built into the town’s architecture. In fact, all of the town’s getaways are established upon the notion that a stay in their care is a recipe for tranquility and a richness of experi- ence. You can chat with the owners and their em- ployees and get the intimate details about High- lands, all the things that we can’t mention here in the Experience Guide or, if you choose, you can be left in blissful isolation. Speaking of finding your own brand of joy, you might as well let Highlands itself do its part. A happy confluence of geography and weather has given us four vivid seasons, and if you’ve felt that you’re somehow removed from the richness of un- sullied nature, find some time to explore each sea-

ways quick to promote the town’s “pristine air and its pure mountain water.” Their vigorous advertis- ing paid off, and Highlands quickly became a desti- nation for those looking to escape the ravages of tu- berculosis and the threat of yellow fever. Even today, that purity of the water and air is still evident – you can feel the clean air when you inhale a deep breath (and take in the rich scents of spring or fall). For the crystal-clear water part of the equation, you need look no further than Mill Creek, which flows alongside the aptly-named Inn at Mill Creek. That gently flowing stream feeds directly into the town’s water supply. And, if you’d like to sample that purity yourself, visit Moses Rock on the way down to Horse Cove and fill a couple of bottles of crystal clear spring water. Highlanders have cher- ished that sweet water for generations.

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son. You can hike the Greenway that snakes through the town, or wander into the deep forest that rings Highlands. A walk through the Botanical Gardens is a glorious bouquet of the senses that’ll reward an easy pace. Or, if all that seems like too much trouble, you can simply relax in your choice of accommodations, and allow Highlands’ weather to work its seductive magic on you. When it’s raining outside (which it most certainly will if you’re here for more than a few days – we’re technically a rainforest) and you snuggle in, that’s practically the quintessence of hygge. That sensation is even more pronounced in the winter. If your notion of Winter in the Mountains is raging snowstorms, take heart because it’s rare for the town to be disrupted for more than a day. And though this Experience Guide mentions a lot of outdoor winter activities to get your blood pumping and your cheeks rosy, allow us to make the case for staying indoors and enjoying every deca- dent blessing of relaxing in front of a blazing fire. This is almost certainly the scenario those Danes had in mind when they developed the concept of hygge.

mer and fall. That sweet mountain air is inevitably cool during the day and sometimes positively chilly in the evening. We guarantee that this’ll be a balm for whatever is weighing on your mind, and an irre- sistible invitation to surrender to the deep delights of hygge.

You can extend this sensation during the rest of the year, by opening your windows in the spring, sum-



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The Pet-Friendly Boutique Hotel where Sophistication and Gracious Hospitality Reach New Heights

844.480.2534 Highlands, NC theparkonmain.com

2112.028

Check In and Bliss Out Experience European-style luxury in the heart of Highlands. Feel the freedom of having all you desire at your fingertips—world-acclaimed spa, private golf, heated mineral pools and jacuzzis, farm-fresh menus, craft cocktails, live music and sumptuous guestrooms to melt you into pure bliss.

Be indulgent in mother nature’s arms. Camping is a great way to not only see the abundance of nature Highlands has to offer but an opportunity to enjoy a personal experience in the forest and water areas on the mountain. There are many improved and primitive campsites in the National Forests that ring the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. For a complete list contact the Ranger Stations for the Nantahala, Sumter, and Chattahoochee National Forests. In addition, there are also many private campgrounds such Franklin RV Park & Campground and River Vista RV Resort. SLEEP IN Mother Nature’s arms

BURRELS FORD CAMPGROUND FromCashiers, takeHighway 107 south for 14miles to Bur- rels Ford Road (FS-708). Turn right and proceed 3 miles to the campground on the left. The campground is located close to the wild and scenic Chattooga River and has sev- eral campsites with tables and grills. Water and a pit toilet are available. Fishing is available on the river and there is access to the Foothills Trail, Chattooga River Trail, King Creek Falls and Spoon Auger Falls. ELLICOTT ROCK WILDERNESS Camping is permittedwithin thewilderness except within 50 feet of the river, tributary stream, or trail, and less than a quarter mile from a road. No groups over 10 people are permitted.

AMMONS BRANCH PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA FromHighlands, takeMain Street east, which becomesHorse Cove Road. Go 4.6miles to the intersectionwith Bull Pen Road. Take right onto Bull Pen Road and proceed 1.3miles. The camp- ground is on the right. There’s no developed water supply so water from streams should be boiled before drinking. A pit toi- let is available. There is no charge. Open year-round. BLUE VALLEY PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA From Highlands, take Highway 28 south for six miles, turn right onto Blue Valley Road and proceed three miles to this campground on the right. There’s no developedwater supply in the area sowater fromstreams should be boiled before drinking. There are picnic tables and one pit toilet. There is no charge. Open year-round.

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